USA Dot Com is a blog covering politics and government from a conservative Christian perspective. Verne Strickland is a 50-year veteran of investigative journalism. This blog offers a take-no-prisoners style with a modicum of biting satire. Verne and his wife of 55 years, Durrene, live in Wilmington, NC.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Bev vetoes bill 'punishing' NC teacher group (The 'group' is a ham-handed trade union in disguise.)

Verne Strickland Blogmaster June 18, 2011

'Non-partisan' Associated Press ignores NCAE's role as shill of leftist parent outfit NEA.But group looks like a union, waddles like a union, and quacks like a union.

Republican legislators singled out the Democrat-friendly NCAE to stop it from deducting
membership dues from paychecks.

“This bill is nothing but a petty and vindictive attempt to seek retribution against a group that opposed the Republican budget,” said Perdue in a written statement. “The bill unfairly singles out this one group for special treatment. The state Constitution requires organizations with similar missions to be treated equally. This bill clearly does not follow that requirement, therefore I veto it.”

Republican leaders say the cutoff of dues was not an attack on teachers. They say it was a move against the political activity of the group's leadership against GOP causes.

Minority Leader Joe Hackney issued a statement shortly after the governor's veto. "Gov. Perdue made another strong stand for teachers today by refusing to allow this frivolous legislation go into law," Hackney said in a written statement.

"Teachers have the right to share their opinions about a budget that hurts our children and should not have to fear political retribution in return. House Democrats will support them and our governor again if we are called upon."

The North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) portrays itself as concerned with the interests of students and public education. Don’t be fooled by the rhetoric. NCAE represents the interests of approximately 50,000 teachers and public school employees who pay them. NCAE tax documents state the real purpose of its mission:

“[Tax] Exempt purpose is to advance the interests of educators and the promotion and protection of welfare of the association’s members”1